How to Buy an Austrian Vignette

Step-by-step guide to purchasing your Austrian motorway vignette correctly.

Step-by-Step Purchase Guide

Step 1: Determine Your Vignette Type

Before purchasing, decide which vignette type suits your travel needs. If you are making a single trip through Austria, the 10-day vignette is usually the most cost-effective. For stays of several weeks, consider the 2-month option. Austrian residents and frequent travellers should consider the annual vignette, which offers the best per-day value.

Also check whether you will be using any roads that require a separate toll (Brenner, Tauern, Arlberg, etc.) — these are not covered by the vignette and must be paid separately.

Step 2: Choose Your Purchase Channel

Austrian vignettes can be purchased through the following official channels:

  • ASFINAG Online Shop (shop.asfinag.at) — Digital vignette only. Available 24/7. Requires vehicle registration number. Recommended for advance purchase.
  • Petrol stations — Physical sticker vignette (for vehicles registered before 2023) or digital vignette activation code. Available throughout Austria and at major border crossings.
  • Post offices (Österreichische Post) — Physical and digital vignettes available at most branches.
  • ÖAMTC offices — Available to members and non-members. Staff can advise on the correct type.
  • ARBÖ offices — Similar to ÖAMTC. Available to members and non-members.
  • Border crossing points — Vignettes available at most major border crossings with Austria. Check availability in advance for smaller crossings.
Step 3: Purchase the Digital Vignette

Since 2023, all new vignettes are digital (no physical sticker). The digital vignette is linked to your vehicle's registration number. To purchase online:

  1. Visit shop.asfinag.at
  2. Select your vignette type (10-day, 2-month, or annual)
  3. Enter your vehicle registration number exactly as it appears on your registration document
  4. Select your start date (for 10-day and 2-month vignettes)
  5. Complete payment by credit/debit card
  6. Save your confirmation email — this is your proof of purchase
Step 4: Activation Period

Digital vignettes purchased online have an 18-day activation period. This means you can purchase up to 18 days before your intended travel date. The vignette becomes valid on the start date you selected. You do not need to do anything to "activate" it — it is automatically registered in the ASFINAG system.

Important: You cannot use the motorway before the start date you selected, even if you have already paid.

Step 5: Verify Your Vignette

You can verify that your digital vignette is correctly registered by visiting the ASFINAG website and entering your registration number. It is recommended to do this check at least 24 hours before your planned travel, to allow time to resolve any issues.

Step 6: Keep Your Proof of Purchase

Keep your confirmation email or receipt for the duration of your vignette's validity. If you are stopped by enforcement officers and the system shows an issue, your proof of purchase can help resolve the matter. For digital vignettes, enforcement is automatic via cameras — you do not need to display anything in your vehicle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Wrong registration number

The most common error. Enter your registration number exactly as on your registration document, including hyphens and spaces. A typo means your vignette is invalid.

Wrong start date

For 10-day and 2-month vignettes, you must select a start date. If you select tomorrow but travel today, you are not covered. Select today's date if you need immediate coverage.

Assuming rental cars include a vignette

Many rental cars in Austria include a valid vignette, but not all. Always confirm with your rental company before driving on Austrian motorways.

Forgetting separate toll roads

The vignette does not cover the Brenner, Tauern, Arlberg, Karawanken, and other special toll sections. Plan and budget for these separately.